Facebook to launch online dating service

Facebook has announced that it will be launching its own online dating service, creating a potential new rival to app-based matchmaking services such as Tinder.

Founder of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg revealed the news at the social network's annual F8 developers' conference in San Jose, California earlier this week, where he emphasised that users' privacy would be a priority for the new dating feature following recent data security scandals.

Mr Zuckerberg told attendees: "There are 200 million people on Facebook who list themselves as single. And if we are committed to building meaningful relationships, then this is perhaps the most meaningful of all."

It is believed that Facebook users will be able to create a digital dating profile that will stand separately to their main profile on the network, detailing preferences that Facebook will use to match them with other singletons who are looking for love.

Mr Zuckerberg added that he hoped the dating service would lead to "real long-term relationships, not just hook-ups”.